Office for the Aging to Host Three Drive-In Bingo Events Throughout Dutchess County

Office for the Aging to Host Three Drive-In
Bingo Events Throughout Dutchess County

2021 County Budget will expand new events
and connect seniors with new technology

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced the County’s Office for the Aging (OFA) will host a trio of free drive-in Bingo events throughout the county in October, offering safely distanced social interaction in a fun environment for seniors. These events are part of OFA’s strategy of re-imagining gatherings and adapt to current COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, an effort that will continue into next year with new resources planned for the 2021 County Budget.

Seniors will receive a complimentary Bingo card when they arrive at the venue of their choice. Numbers will be announced over a short-distance FM radio frequency that seniors can listen to through their car radios, and participants will honk their horn when they have a Bingo. Seniors can play for fun and have the opportunity to win prizes supplied by the OFA. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling (845) 486-2555.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives these past six months, our Office for the Aging’s mission to enhance the lives of our seniors have never wavered. While we can’t host traditional, in-person OFA events, such as our Summer Picnic Series, Celebration of Aging and Senior Prom, activities like our upcoming drive-in Bingo games provide seniors with safe alternatives to interact and enjoy an afternoon of fun.”

The drive-in Bingo games will each take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 14th (rain date October 15th)
Bowdoin Park
85 Sheafe Road
Poughkeepsie

Tuesday, October 20th (rain date October 21st)
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6636 Route 9
Rhinebeck

Thursday, October 22nd (rain date October 23rd)
Thomas J. Boyce Park
6420 Route 55
Wingdale

With physical distancing guidelines and the prohibition of large gatherings in place to protect residents health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, OFA has provided alternative programming for seniors including drive-through summer picnics, enjoyed by more than 4,000 seniors in lieu of its traditional, sit-down picnics and new online resources, including Tai Chai instruction. The popular and informative “Medicare 101” classes will be held online this autumn and other exercise programs will also be added to a virtual platform.

For 2021, OFA will continue to reimagine events and activities for seniors to ensure opportunities for socialization and engagement that is critical to mental well-being. As older adults are increasingly using technology to connect to news and information, health and wellness resources and social supports, OFA provide information regarding programs and services remotely through technology and will use Stimulus dollars to purchase tablets, laptops and other technology to interact with seniors remotely, as well as provide technology resources to those seniors who lack these resources.

OFA Director Todd Tancredi said, “We have seen how modifying traditionally in-person events such as our Summer Picnic Series has been overwhelmingly received by our seniors, and we look forward to continuing to similarly adapting more of our offerings in the coming weeks and months to ensure we continue to serve Dutchess County’s seniors.”